SATURDAY 10 MAY 2014

SAT 00:00 Where Angels Fear to Tread (b007jrzr)
Episode 10
Englishman Philip confesses all to Italian Gino and learns a bitter truth. Stars Sian Thomas, Jamie Bamber and Tom George.
SAT 00:15 A Short History of Ireland (b007sygj)
The Green Flag Will Be Flying Independently; God Save Ireland!
The country's rich and turbulent story continues. With Richard Dormer, James Greene and Frances Tomelty.
SAT 00:30 William Trevor - A Bit on the Side (b00nm0k3)
Graillis's Legacy
The touching and compassionate story of one man's guilt over his love for two women. Read by Dermot Crowley.
SAT 00:45 England's Mistress - The Infamous Life of Emma Hamilton (b01m68vf)
Episode 5
Nelson and Emma are briefly reunited, but he must face the French fleet off the Cape of Trafalgar. Read by Polly Walker.
SAT 01:00 Act Your Age (b00qplyn)
Series 2
Episode 5
Simon Mayo hosts the comedy show that pits the comic generations against each other to find out which is the funniest.
Team captains Jon Richardson, Ed Byrne and Johnnie Casson are joined by Tom Wrigglesworth, John Bishop and Tom O'Connor.
Producers: Ashley Blaker and Bill Matthews.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2010.
SAT 01:30 Humphrey Lyttelton - Play As I Please (b01fhr4f)
Playing for Eton
Jazz musician Humphrey Lyttelton tells June Knox-Mawer about his life, his colourful ancestors and passion for music. From December 1993.
SAT 02:00 A Charles Paris Mystery (b00wnmbt)
Dead Side of the Mic
Episode 4
Can the actor-sleuth solve the deadly mystery haunting the BBC, or will he end up in chains? Stars Bill Nighy and Nicky Henson.
SAT 02:30 Eric Ambler - Journey Into Fear (b00yzj3n)
Episode 5
As the Nazis close in, Graham makes a grim discovery in a cabin aboard the Sestri Levante. Concluded by Richard Greenwood.
SAT 03:00 DH Lawrence - Women in Love (b007k1zw)
Mountain Snows
A looming tragedy cements the future of Rupert, Gerald, Ursula and Gudrun.
Starring Clare Holman, Stella Gonet, Douglas Hodge and Nicholas Farrell.
The conclusion of DH Lawrence's 1920s passionate novel.
Ursula …. Clare Holman
Gudrun …. Stella Gonet
Gerald …. Douglas Hodge
Rupert …. Nicholas Farrell
Loerke …. Keith Drinkel
Pussum …. Sunny Ormonde
Halliday …. John Webb
Mrs Critch …. Ann Beech
Mr Brangwen …. Christopher Scott
Mrs Brangwen …. Gillian Goodman
With Robert Harper and Steven Critchlow
Dramatised by Elaine Feinstein.
Music composed by Anthea Gomez.
Director: Sue Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1996.
SAT 04:00 William Trevor - A Bit on the Side (b00nm0k3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 00:30 today]
SAT 04:15 Roy Apps - The Master and Mrs Tucker (b00cz803)
The story of the friendship between Noel Coward and E Nesbit. Roy Apps' play stars Guy Henry, Ann Bell and Rosemary Leach.
SAT 05:00 Second Holmes (b0161p3d)
The Case of the Shadowed Minister
The grandsons of Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson help a member of Parliament who claims he's being followed...
Six light-hearted adventures involving the grandsons of Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson written by Grant Eustace
Starring Peter Egan as Stamford Holmes, Jeremy Nicholas as Dr Watson, Angela Down as Alex Messinger, Stuart Organ as Mr Belling, Jim Reid as Michael, Wendy Murray as Mrs Waterfield and Miranda Forbes as Mrs Belling.
Producer: Paul Mayhew-Archer
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1983.
SAT 05:30 Smelling of Roses (b00dbwtv)
Series 3
A Closed Book
Rosie is contracted to organise a literary prize, but finds that not everything goes by the book...
More challenges for Rosie Burns running her family's event management company, where the clients are only part of the problem...
Written by Simon Brett.
Rosie ..... Prunella Scales
Jo ..... Rebecca Callard
Bob ..... Duncan Preston
Tess ..... Annette Badland
Pomme Grantley ..... Joanna Monro
Lancelot Crotty ..... Timothy Alcock
Sioned Pugh-Craven ..... Sheila Mitchell
Producer: Maria Esposito
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2002.
SAT 06:00 Miriam Margolyes - Dickens' Women (b007jqv0)
From Kate Nickleby to Little Nell, Miriam Margolyes entertains an audience with her celebration of the classic English author's characters.
SAT 07:30 Death By Chocolate (b00ybzdh)
From Brighton's chocolate-cream poisoner to chocolate hand grenades, Jo Brand looks at the sinister history of the sweet treat. From March 2007.
SAT 08:00 Archive on 4 (b00qs41j)
AJP at the BBC
Joe Queenan recalls the long and turbulent relationship between the BBC and the first television don, historian AJP Taylor.
Taylor's broadcasting career spanned five decades, beginning on BBC radio and then switching to the new medium of television, where his unscripted lectures brought serious history out of the university lecture halls and into the living rooms of millions of people for the first time. His broadcasts were as provocative as they were popular, at one point arousing bitter condemnation in the House of Commons, and his relationship with the corporation was often far from cordial.
It dropped the sulky don, as he became known, from the airwaves on numerous occasions - once for refusing to speak any further in a live discussion programme. For his part, Taylor campaigned vigorously for an independent competitor to the BBC, and frequently mocked it in the press. Still, the relationship served both well over the years, providing Taylor with the mass audience he craved and the BBC with many hours of entertaining and enlightening broadcasting from one of the greatest academics of his day.
Queenan, a long-term admirer of Taylor, tells the story of the historian and the corporation through written and broadcast archives.
SAT 09:00 Some of Our Archives Were Missing (b0089b35)
Stuart Maconie presents classic programmes thought lost forever, but now returned to the BBC's vaults thanks to attentive radio fans:
It Sticks Out Half a Mile (19/07/1981)
Comedy Parade: Hush, Hush, Here Comes the Bolshie Man (14/03/1971)
Thirty Minute Theatre: The Green Machine (23/04/1975)
Story Time: Eye Witness Accounts - The Great Fire of London (20/01/1970)
Things Could Be Worse (15/09/1976)
The Worst Show on the Wireless (12/02/1975).
The BBC's Treasure Hunt initiative of the early noughties focussed its efforts on missing radio and television programmes, dating from prior to 1980. It was an invitation to collectors, fans and even former BBC staff who might have possessed domestic recordings of missing comedies and dramas. Among other gems, a missing episode of The Likely Lads was returned. An eclectic collection of radio curios made its way home - some of them shared in this programme.
Stuart Maconie is a writer and broadcaster - a fixture of BBC Radio 2 and BBC 6 Music, and a compadre of fellow radio legend Mark Radcliffe.
SAT 12:00 HighLites Omnibus (b0435jd5)
Wash and Blow
Made for 4 Extra. Bev and Shirley, the country's worst hairdressers, decide to head out on a cruise. Stars Lorraine Ashbourne and Rosie Cavaliero.
SAT 13:10 Inheritance Tracks (b0103zk2)
Annie Lennox
The singer reveals her love of 'Waterloo Sunset' by the Kinks, and the track she would hand on, 'A Whiter Shade of Pale' by Procol Harum.
SAT 13:15 In the Psychiatrist's Chair (b007514c)
Nigel Kennedy
The maverick violin star and footie fan talks to Dr Anthony Clare about intensive schooling, family and music. From July 1997.
Psychiatrist Dr Anthony Clare's in depth interviews with prominent people from different walks of life.
Born in Dublin, author Anthony held a doctorate in medicine, a master's degree in philosophy and was a fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists. After becoming a regular on BBC Radio 4's Stop the Week in the 1980s, he became Britain's best-known psychiatrist and earned his own vehicle, In the Psychiatrist's Chair. Starting in 1982, this series ran until 2001 and also transferred to TV. Series highlights include conversations with Bob Monkhouse, Cecil Parkinson and Gerry Adams.
Anthony Clare died suddenly in Paris aged 64 in 2007.
SAT 14:00 Listen to Les (b0180fmx)
From 20/01/1985
Les Dawson pays tribute to a feisty barber, Cosmo Smallpiece chairs a chat show and with Les at the piano, the Ink Blots help to murder a song.
With Daphne Oxenford, Eli Woods and Colin Edwynn.
Music by Brian Fitzgerald.
Scripted and produced by James Casey.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in January 1985.
SAT 14:30 Hancock's Half Hour (b007jpd5)
Series 6
The Last Bus Home
It's a long walk home in the rain when Sid, Bill and The Lad Himself get stranded.
Starring Tony Hancock.
With Sidney James, Bill Kerr, Warren Mitchell and Hugo Morton.
Written by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson.
Theme and incidental music written by Wally Stott.
Producer: Tom Ronald
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in October 1959.
SAT 15:00 Archive on 4 (b00qs41j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
SAT 16:00 Miriam Margolyes - Dickens' Women (b007jqv0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SAT 17:30 Bird Island (b042l2xt)
Series 2
Episode 1
Ben, a young scientist working in Antarctica, tries to adapt to the loneliness by keeping a cheery audio diary on his Dictaphone.
In this episode, Ben is all consumed by a new cereal bar while Jane and Graham are completing the Penguin Census.
Ben ...... Reece Shearsmith
Graham ...... Julian Rhind-Tutt
Jane ...... Katy Wix
Beverley ...... Alison Steadman
Atmospheric comedy about a cheery scientist based in Sub-Antarctica by Katy Wix.
It’s Ben’s trip of a lifetime, but in a vast icy landscape with dodgy internet. Feeling lonely, he shares his thoughts via an audio 'log' on his dictaphone.
Graham is a fellow nerdy scientist so their exchanges are mumbled. Ben’s even more awkward around new arrival Jane, though he’s not entirely sure why.
Producer: Tilusha Ghelan
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2014.
SAT 17:45 Don't Start (b01ml8b3)
Series 2
The Notebook
What do long term partners really argue about? Sharp new comedy from Frank Skinner returns for a second series. Starring Frank Skinner and Katherine Parkinson.
The first series of Don't Start met with instant critical and audience acclaim: "That he can deliver such a heavy premise for a series with such a lightness of touch is testament to his skills as a writer and, given that the protagonists are both bookworms, he's also permitted to use a flourish of fine words that would be lost in his stand-up routines". Jane Anderson, Radio Times.
"Writing and starring in the four-parter Don't Start (Radio 4) Frank Skinner gives full rein to his sharp but splenetic comedy. He and his co-star Katherine Parkinson play a bickering couple exchanging acerbic ripostes in a cruelly precise dissection of a relationship". Daily Mail
... "a lesson in relationship ping-pong" - Miranda Sawyer, The Observer.
Series 2 follows hard on its heels. Well observed, clever and funny, Don't Start is a scripted comedy with a deceptively simple premise - an argument. Each week, our couple fall out over another apparently trivial flashpoint - the Krankies, toenail trimming and semantics. Each week, the stakes mount as Neil and Kim battle with words. But these are no ordinary arguments. The two outdo each other with increasingly absurd images, unexpected literary references (the Old Testament, Jack Spratt and the first Mrs Rochester, to name a few) and razor sharp analysis of their beloved's weaknesses. Underneath the cutting wit, however, there is an unmistakable tenderness".
Frank says:
"Having established in the first series that Neil and Kim are a childless academic couple who during their numerous arguments, luxuriate in their own and each other's learning and wit, I've tried in the second series to dig a little deeper into their relationship. Love and affection occasionally splutter into view, like a Higgs boson in a big tunnel-thing, but can such emotions ever prevail in a relationship where the couple prefers to wear their brains, rather than their hearts, on their sleeves? Is that too much offal imagery?
Episode 1: The Notebook
Frank's apparently innocent discovery of an old notebook strangely rekindles Kim's former enthusiasm for Frisbee throwing.
Directed and produced by Polly Thomas
An Avalon Production for BBC Radio 4.
SAT 18:00 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (b007jm4s)
The Secondary Phase
Fit The Tenth
Arthur discovers his unique contribution to the history of Brontitall. And a close encounter for Ford and Zaphod...
Starring Peter Jones as The Book, Simon Jones as Arthur Dent, Geoffrey McGivern as Ford Prefect, Mark Wing-Davey as Zaphod Beeblebrox, David Tate as Eddie, Stephen Moore as Marvin, Ronald Baddiley as Bird One, John Le Mesurier as the Wise Old Bird, John Baddeley as Bird Two and Rula Lenska as Lintilla.
The original scripts by Douglas Adams (1952-2001) went on to spawn a series of novels, a feature film, at least three stage shows, a TV series, a computer game, a collection of comic books - and various towels.
Radiophonic sound and music by Paddy Kingsland.
Producer: Geoffrey Perkins
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1980.
SAT 18:30 Fear on 4 (b007jnpz)
Series 2
Survival
A group of people in outer space find things become a matter of life or death, each dependant on the other in a horrifying way.
The Man in Black sets the horrifying scene...
Fear on 4 brings you more in a series of nerve-tinglers.
Written by John Wyndham and dramatized by Pat Hooker.
The Man In Black …. Edward de Souza
Alice …. Karen Ascoe
Marshall …. David March
Carter …. Martin Dew
Mrs Feltham …. Eva Stuart
Mr. Feltham/Al …. Michael Graham Cox
David/ TV Newsreader …. Simon Cuff
Hank/Bowman …. Joe Dunlop
Temple …. Nicholas Courtney
Rogers …. Richard Tate
Capt. Winters …. Michael Deacon
Prentiss …. John Moffat
Producer: Gerry Jones
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1989.
SAT 19:00 Some of Our Archives Were Missing (b0089b35)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SAT 22:00 Innes Own World (b017gwqz)
Episode 3
Neil Innes shares some breakfast dramas and memories of touring the USA with the Bonzo Dog Band.
The Radio Show that spits the Gargle of Existence into the Bathroom Sink of Being and introduces the Man of Substance to the Woman of Intuition.
Script Editor: John Dowie
Producer: Claire Jones
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2003.
SAT 22:30 4 at the Store (b00ct1wm)
Series 1
Episode 2
Stand-up at London's Comedy Store, with host Simon Bligh, John Mann, Marian Unfaithful and Paul Tonkinson. From December 1998.
SAT 23:00 28 Acts in 28 Minutes (b009ly1p)
Series 2
Episode 3
28 performers have just 60 seconds in which to entertain the audience in this traditional variety show, featuring established stand-ups, and some newer talent
The whole thing is presided over by John Humphrys, who sits at the side of the stage with a stopwatch, ready to cut the microphone when the time is up.
And hey - if there's an act you don't like, well, there's another one along in 55 seconds or so...
Phil Cornwell
Francesca Beard
The Bearded Ladies
Matt Morisroe
James Sherwood
John Richardson
Tom McRae
Geoffrey McGivern
Liam Mullone
Danielle Ward
John Finnemore
Greedy
Ian Stone
Gwyn Herbert
Kerry Godliman and David Lane
Lee Bannard
Simon Jones
Terry Saunders
Ginger & Black
Simon Evans
Nathan Penlington
Tim Fitzhigham
Carol Smith
Alex Lowe
Producers: Rohan Acharya and Ed Morrish
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2008.
SAT 23:30 The Masterson Inheritance (b007jswh)
Series 1
The Tatting of the Mastersons
The Wild West is the setting for a show-down over faulty dental work!
An improvised historical saga of a family at war with itself - based entirely on audience suggestions.
Starring Paul Merton, Josie Lawrence, Caroline Quentin, Jim Sweeney and Phelim McDermott.
Producer: Phil Clarke
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1993.


SUNDAY 11 MAY 2014

SUN 00:00 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (b007jm4s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Saturday]
SUN 00:30 Fear on 4 (b007jnpz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Saturday]
SUN 01:00 Archive on 4 (b00qs41j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Saturday]
SUN 02:00 HighLites Omnibus (b0435jd5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:00 on Saturday]
SUN 03:15 In the Psychiatrist's Chair (b007514c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 13:15 on Saturday]
SUN 04:00 Miriam Margolyes - Dickens' Women (b007jqv0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Saturday]
SUN 05:30 Bird Island (b042l2xt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 17:30 on Saturday]
SUN 05:45 Don't Start (b01ml8b3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 17:45 on Saturday]
SUN 06:00 Where Angels Fear to Tread (Omnibus) (b007js09)
Episode 2
As Philip and Harriet arrive in Monteriano to rescue the unfortunate Lilia's beastly baby from the horrors of an Italian upbringing, Philip finds himself once more captivated by the country he is supposed to decry.
Conclusion of EM Forster's deliciously witty story of English conventions confounded by the romance of Italy.
Omnibus of the last of ten parts dramatised by Penny Leicester.
Sian Thomas is the Narrator, with Jamie Bamber as Philip, Deborah Findlay as Harriet, Emilia Fox as Caroline and Tom George as Gino.
Director: Di Speirs
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2003.
SUN 07:15 Key Matters (b00b6x4s)
Series 1
F sharp major
Ivan Hewett examines five musical keys. Today: F sharp major, as used by Beethoven, Mozart and Messiaen. With Liz Garnett.
SUN 07:30 Count Arthur Strong's Radio Show! (b00pg5r6)
Series 5
Keep Fit
Arthur's keen on taking up a free trial gym membership, but will his doctor approve? Stars Steve Delaney. From January 2010.
SUN 08:00 Beyond Our Ken (b00tz0hd)
From 11/06/1959
Kenneth Horne's songwriting talents spark adventure, plus a look at underwater sports. With Kenneth Williams. From June 1959.
SUN 08:30 To the Manor Born (b007jm7w)
Plenty More Fish
With their love-lives in a tangle, Audrey falls out with Marjory.
Starring Penelope Keith as Audrey fforbes-Hamilton.
Keith Barron ..... Richard DeVere
Angela Thorne ..... Marjory Frobisher
Nicholas McArdle ..... Brabinger
Margery Withers ..... Mrs Polouvicka
Frank Middlemass ..... Ned
The tale of lady of the manor Audrey fforbes-Hamilton, forced to sell her beloved Grantleigh Estate when her husband's death leaves her financially strapped. With butler Brabinger in tow, they've decamped to the tiny Old Lodge cottage.
From this vantage point, Audrey keeps a close and disapproving eye on the estate's new owner, the nouveau-riche Richard DeVere, a wholesale foods magnate of Czech descent.
First piloted on radio and then whisked off to TV before it ever appeared, before finally arriving home in 1997.
Written for radio by Peter Spence.
Producer: Jane Berthoud
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in March 1997.
SUN 09:00 Gillian Cross - The Demon Headmaster (b00rpz92)
Episode 2
SPLAT members try to stop the Head's quest for the school to win the Eddy Hair TV quiz. Stars Lucy Speed and Edward de Souza.
SUN 09:30 Alf Proysen - Mrs Pepperpot (b00p7qb4)
Episode 2
The incredible shrinking woman gets in big trouble at a Christmas market. Based on the popular books. Stars Alison Steadman.
SUN 10:00 The Reunion (b00tt3qv)
Play School
Sue MacGregor reunites people involved with classic children's TV programme Play School, which ran from 1964 to 1988.
Devised by Joy Whitby, former producer of the Listen with Mother slot on BBC Radio, the programme was a direct response to concerns about the perceived poor standard of British pre-school education.
Play School was ground-breaking in more ways than one as it accidentally became the first programme to be shown on BBC 2 after a power cut halted the opening night's programming.
Its enthusiastic presenters came from diverse backgrounds and became household names with the iconic three shaped windows, clock and toys to form an integral part of many early childhoods.
Sue is joined around the table by Joy Whitby, presenters Floella Benjamin, Brian Cant, who also fronted spin-off series Play Away, and Toni Arthur and musical director/pianist Jonathan Cohen.
The programme also features contributions from Johnny Ball and Play School historian Paul R. Jackson.
Producer: Chris Green
A Whistledown Production for BBC Radio 4.
SUN 10:45 Love Stories (b01msgg4)
A Voice From the Past
By Penny Vincenzi. A young girl is enchanted by vivid tales from the past. Stories from bestselling romantic novelists. Read by Joanna Lumley.
SUN 11:00 This American Life (b0436503)
24 Hours at the Golden Apple
One day in a Chicago diner called The Golden Apple, starting at 5am and going until 5am the next morning. We hear from the waitress who's worked the graveyard shift for over two decades, the regular customers who come every day, the couples working out their problems, various assorted drunks and, of course, cops.
US public radio show from 2000.
Weaving interviews, stories, and music, This American Life takes us on an intense weekly journey into the lives of ordinary and extraordinary people and situations.
One of the great speech radio successes of recent years from Ira Glass and his team at Chicago Public Media.
SUN 12:00 Where Angels Fear to Tread (Omnibus) (b007js09)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SUN 13:15 Key Matters (b00b6x4s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
SUN 13:30 Peter Roberts - Holy Fool (b014gj3c)
Living a glorious, chivalrous dream - or just crazy?
A knight errant sails through a series of adventures involving the greatest figures in the medieval world. The story of William the Marshall - with a real-life Don Quixote and his cohort.
Peter Roberts's drama stars Michael Williams as Jean d'Erlee, William Chubb as William Marshal, Garard Green as Henry II, Christopher Scott as Henry FitzHenry, Martin Head as Richard Lionheart, Francis Thomson as the Poet, Susan Jeffrey as Isabella Chepstow,
Other parts played by Tom Roberts, Simon Carter, Graham Padden and Neal Foster.
Directed at BBC Pebble Mill by Nigel Bryant.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1993.
SUN 15:00 Beyond Our Ken (b00tz0hd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
SUN 15:30 To the Manor Born (b007jm7w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
SUN 16:00 Mel's Mix: The Best of The 4 O'Clock Show (b0436505)
Mel Giedroyc presents her highlights of this week's shows, including former children's laureate Michael Rosen and safari guide Peter Allison.
SUN 17:00 Gillian Cross - The Demon Headmaster (b00rpz92)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SUN 17:30 Alf Proysen - Mrs Pepperpot (b00p7qb4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
SUN 18:00 The Price of Fear (b007jmxv)
Out of the Mouths
Horror legend Vincent Price introduces a tale about unforeseen danger as a scientist tries out advanced theories on his new born son.
Stars Hywel Bennett as Richard, Elizabeth Proud as Rachel and John Quail as David.
Scripted by William Ingram.
Producer: John Dyas
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1983.
SUN 18:30 Bradbury 13 (b012wzzd)
A Sound of Thunder
A safari into the prehistoric past sparks unexpected results. Adaptation of one of Ray Bradbury's most famous yarns, starring Max Robinson.
SUN 19:00 This American Life (b0436503)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
SUN 20:00 Beyond Our Ken (b00tz0hd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
SUN 20:30 To the Manor Born (b007jm7w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
SUN 21:00 The Reunion (b00tt3qv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SUN 21:45 Love Stories (b01msgg4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:45 today]
SUN 22:00 Count Arthur Strong's Radio Show! (b00pg5r6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SUN 22:30 Craig Brown's Lost Diaries (b00vrssk)
November and December
November & December. As winter sets in, John Prescott, Germaine Greer and Nigella Lawson's thoughts turn to home.
A second chance to hear satirist Craig Brown dip into the private lives of public figures from the 1960s to the present day.
Voiced by Jan Ravens, Alistair McGowan, Lewis McLeod, Ewan Bailey, Margaret Cabourn-Smith and Dolly Wells.
Written by Craig Brown.
Produced by Victoria Lloyd.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2010.
SUN 23:00 The Castle (b00t7f96)
Series 3
The Vuvuzela of Terror
Hie ye to The Castle, a rollicking sitcom set way back then, starring James Fleet ("The Vicar Of Dibley", "Four Weddings & A Funeral") and Neil Dudgeon ("Life Of Riley")
In this episode, we discover that an Englishman's home is his castle and an Englishman's moat is his tax write-off. Until Sir John is investigated and has to hire some Frenchmen and a bucket of eels. Meanwhile, the Woodstock Hospital is about to lose its no-star status...
Cast:
Sir John Woodstock ....... James Fleet
Sir William De Warenne ....... Neil Dudgeon
Lady Anne Woodstock ........ Martha Howe-Douglas
Cardinal Duncan ........ Jonathan Kydd
Lady Charlotte ....... Ingrid Oliver
Master Henry Woodstock ....... Steven Kynman
Merlin ....... Lewis Macleod
Written by Kim Fuller & Paul Alexander
Music by Guy Jackson
Producer/Director: David Tyler
A Pozzitive production for BBC Radio 4.
SUN 23:30 Steven Appleby's Normal Life (b007jmzw)
Series 1
Normal Death
Steven sells his soul to the Devil in the hope of securing eternal life.
The main side effect is that he becomes rather like a certain Hollywood icon
Starring Mark Perry as cartoonist Steven Appleby who takes an abnormal look at everyday life.
Featuring Rachel Atkins, Ewan Bailey, Nigel Betts and Rosalind Paul.
Written by Steven Appleby
Producer: Toby Swift
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2001
SUN 23:45 Jelly Mountain (b00fh6vz)
Episode 2
Ivor Cutler's unique views on how to promote a child's growth. Songs and stories, with Craig Murray-Orr. From May 1996.


MONDAY 12 MAY 2014

MON 00:00 The Price of Fear (b007jmxv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Sunday]
MON 00:30 Bradbury 13 (b012wzzd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Sunday]
MON 01:00 The Reunion (b00tt3qv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Sunday]
MON 01:45 Love Stories (b01msgg4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:45 on Sunday]
MON 02:00 Count Arthur Strong's Radio Show! (b00pg5r6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Sunday]
MON 02:30 Beyond Our Ken (b00tz0hd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Sunday]
MON 03:00 To the Manor Born (b007jm7w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Sunday]
MON 03:30 Peter Roberts - Holy Fool (b014gj3c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 13:30 on Sunday]
MON 05:00 Gillian Cross - The Demon Headmaster (b00rpz92)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Sunday]
MON 05:30 Alf Proysen - Mrs Pepperpot (b00p7qb4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Sunday]
MON 06:00 Edith Wharton - The Age of Innocence (b007jnsy)
Episode 1
Newly engaged American socialite Newland Archer is drawn to his fiancee's cousin. Stars Andrew Wincott and Susanne Bertish.
MON 06:30 Mr Pollock's Theatres (b0076dzn)
"Penny plain and twopence coloured...."
A phrase familiar to generations of pre-TV children that describes the toy theatres of Benjamin Pollock, a printer from Hoxton in London.
Simon Callow explores the magic world of the cardboard actor, which tells us so much about the real theatre of the 19th century.
Producer: Merilyn Harris
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2003.
MON 07:00 Double Science (b013dzmw)
Field Trip
Alison takes her class to a Cumbrian wind farm, with keen colleagues Colin and Kenneth in hot pursuit.
The turmoil continues at Forresters Sixth Form College.
Written by and starring Ben Willbond and Justin Edwards.
With Rebecca Front, Raza Jaffreyand Margaret Cabourn-Smith.
Producer: Adam Bromley
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2008.
MON 07:30 The Unbelievable Truth (b042jcxg)
Series 13
Episode 5
David Mitchell hosts the panel game in which four comedians are encouraged to tell lies and compete against one another to see how many items of truth they're able to smuggle past their opponents. Tony Hawks, Susan Calman, Phill Jupitus and Miles Jupp are the panellists obliged to talk with deliberate inaccuracy on subjects as varied as: The Brain, Victorians, Toads and Cooking.
The show is devised by Graeme Garden and Jon Naismith, the team behind Radio 4's I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue.
Producer - Jon Naismith.
A Random production for BBC Radio 4.
MON 08:00 Listen to Les (b01ms5j6)
From 27/01/1985
Les Dawson is Wotan, Man of Steel and Auntie Ada recalls her wartime adventures with the troops.
With Daphne Oxenford, Eli Woods and Colin Edwynn.
Music by Brian Fitzgerald.
Scripted and produced by James Casey.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in January 1985.
MON 08:30 The Navy Lark (b007jn8n)
Series 13
Friday the 13th
The day proves unlucky for the superstitious crew aboard HMS Troutbridge.

Starring Leslie Phillips as the Sub-Lieutenant, Jon Pertwee as the Chief Petty Officer, Stephen Murray as the Commanding Officer, Richard Caldicot as Captain Povey, Heather Chasen as Rita, Tenniel Evans as the Admiral and Michael Bates as the Lieutenant.

Laughs afloat aboard British Royal Navy frigate HMS Troutbridge. The Navy Lark ran for an impressive thirteen series between 1959 and 1976.

Scripted by Lawrie Wyman and George Evans.

Producer: Alastair Scott Johnston.

First First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in June 1972.
MON 09:00 When the Dog Dies (b012xpym)
Series 2
Knock Down Ginger
Ronnie Corbett reunites with the writers of his hit sitcom Sorry, Ian Davidson and Peter Vincent. Sorry ran for seven series on BBC 1 and was number one in the UK ratings.
In the second series of their Radio 4 sitcom, Ronnie plays Sandy Hopper, who is growing old happily along with his dog Henry. His grown up children - both married to people Sandy doesn't approve of at all - would like him to move out of the family home so they can get their hands on their money earlier. But Sandy's not having this. He's not moving until the dog dies.
Dolores, Sandy's lodger, has a moment of revelation - she really does feel guilty for always being behind with the rent and is going to leave and be a housekeeper to Mr McAhmed in Edinburgh. Sandy bows to the inevitable - and thus gets everything completely wrong. Will he have enough wit to pull the communication cord? Do they still have them?
Cast:
Ronnie Corbett ..... Sandy
Liza Tarbuck ..... Dolores
Sally Grace ..... Mrs Pompom
Tilly Vosburgh ...... Ellie
Jonathan Aris ..... Blake
Philip Bird ..... Lance
Stephen Critchlow ..... Mr De Vere Smith
Producer: Liz Anstee
A CPL Production for BBC Radio 4.
MON 09:30 Life: An Idiot's Guide (b0436hkz)
Series 3
Multiculturalism
Comedian, Stephen K Amos is joined by Stephen Grant, Nish Kumar and Andrew Maxwell to compile an idiot's guide to multiculturalism.
MON 10:00 Classic Serial (b00zzpl5)
Patrick O'Brian - The Mauritius Command
Episode 1
Patrick O'Brian's naval epic set in 1809, dramatised in three parts by Roger Danes. Starring David Robb as Captain Jack Aubrey and Richard Dillane as Doctor Stephen Maturin.
Following his adventures in HMS Surprise, Jack Aubrey has been kicking his heels at home when his old friend, Stephen Maturin, comes knocking at his door with welcome news. Jack is promoted to Commodore, and is to lead a squadron of English ships, charged with taking the Indian Ocean islands of Mauritius and Réunion from the French.
In the course of the novel Jack must succeed against superior odds at sea and on land. Yet, in his new role as Commodore, Jack will need subtlety and subterfuge to win over the crews and subordinate captains of his own fleet.
Based on a naval campaign in 1809-10 when Britain and France were bitterly engaged in protecting their trade routes around the southern tip of Africa.
The Mauritius Command is the fourth novel in Patrick O'Brian's Nelsonic epic series, and the sequel to HMS Surprise which was dramatised for Radio 4 in 2008.
Captain Jack Aubrey ................... DAVID ROBB
Doctor Stephen Maturin .......... ...RICHARD DILLANE
Governor Farquhar ..................... DAVID RINTOUL
Lt-Col Keating ............ .......THOMAS ARNOLD
Lord Clonfert................................ SAM DALE
Captain Corbett................. ....CHRISTIAN RODSKA
Lt Seymour ....................... ...MAX DOWLER
Midshipman George Johnson ....... NYASHA HATENDI
Dr McAdam/Admiral Bertie.......... .SEAN BAKER
Captain Pym............................... BRIAN BOWLES
Mrs. Williams ............................ JOANNA MONRO
Sophie....................................... SALLY ORROCK
Producer/director: Bruce Young
Producer Bruce Young.
MON 11:00 Afternoon Reading (b00v2z35)
Three Short Stories by E Nesbit
Her Marriage Lines
She is known now, almost exclusively, as a children's writer - the author of The Railway Children. But E. Nesbit was more than that: a pioneer Socialist, a campaigner for Women's Rights and a passionate social reformer. She was also a prolific poet and author of adult fiction.
The stories in this series are taken from 'In Homespun', a collection that was originally published in 1896, and are set in the villages of South Kent and East Sussex that Nesbit knew well. Told in the first person, by a variety of strong, women characters- the sort of character E. Nesbit specialized in - looking back on their earlier lives. Their voices are robust and distinct.
Here, by turns, are danger, comedy and romance. At stake? Marriage and money. Deft and atmospheric writing from a master story teller.
Her Marriage Lines is a wonderfully comic detective story cum romance. Harry, the son of the house, wants to marry Poll, but the delightfully wicked old housekeeper has other ideas. When the Old Man dies unexpectedly, poison is suspected. But there is a surprising twist in the tale.
Reader: Jenny Agutter
Abridged by Roy Apps
Producer/Director: Celia de Wolff
A Pier Production for BBC Radio 4.
MON 11:15 Loose Ends (b042z1fy)
Neneh Cherry, Tom Hollander, Lynn Barber, John Hegarty, Cody ChesnuTT
Clive sees a Clown in the Moon with actor Tom Hollander, who plays the lead role in brand-new BBC drama, 'A Poet In New York', to mark the centenary of Dylan Thomas's birth. The drama explores how the creator of some of the most memorable lines in the English language, died in a smog-ridden New York on a November day in 1953.
Clive has An Education with journalist and author Lynn Barber. In her new book 'A Curious Career', Lynn takes us from her early years as a journalist for 'Penthouse' to interrogating a huge cross-section of celebrities, ranging from politicians to film stars, comedians, artists and musicians.
Sara Cox hangs in a Buffalo Stance with singer-songwriter, rapper and broadcaster Neneh Cherry, who burst on to the 80's pop scene, paving the way for sassy, solo, female artists. Neneh performs 'Everything' from 'Blank Project'; her first solo album in 18 years.
Clive talks to advertising Guru John Hegarty, who believes that irreverence and its power to challenge and question makes his creativity stand out. His book 'Hegarty on Creativity...There Are No Rules' gives 50 provocative insights to guide you through the process and help select your best ideas.
With more music from Cody ChesnuTT, who performs 'What Kind of Cool' from his album 'Landing on a Hundred: B-Sides and Remixes.'
Producer: Sukey Firth.
MON 12:00 Listen to Les (b01ms5j6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
MON 12:30 The Navy Lark (b007jn8n)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
MON 13:00 Edith Wharton - The Age of Innocence (b007jnsy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
MON 13:30 Mr Pollock's Theatres (b0076dzn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
MON 14:00 Jane Austen (b0076gxs)
Mansfield Park
Episode 1
4 Extra Debut. On a quest to find a position in society, young Fanny Price goes to live with her rich aunt and uncle. Stars Felicity Jones, Benedict Cumberbatch and David Tennant.
MON 14:15 A Short History of Ireland (b007tdf7)
The Growth of Belfast; Party Fights
The country's rich and turbulent story continues. With Richard Dormer, James Greene and Frances Tomelty.
MON 14:30 The Paradoxes of Mr Pond (b0132l49)
The Crime of Captain Gahagan
GK Chesterton's civil servant figures out a mystery - 'Women go so fast that they get no farther.' Read by Martin Jarvis.
MON 14:45 Book of the Week (b00kmzyv)
Claire Harman - Jane's Fame
Episode 1
Alice Krige reads from Claire Harman's exploration of Jane Austen's rise to pre-eminence from humble family scribblings to Hollywood movies.
The myth of Jane Austen is of a demure spinster, unobtrusively writing masterpieces in the corner of the family sitting room. The reality was of an ambitious and spirited young woman who was part of a lively, bookish family and keenly attuned to the literary world of her time.
A Pacificus production for BBC Radio 4.
MON 15:00 Classic Serial (b00zzpl5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
MON 16:00 The 4 O'Clock Show (b0436k8p)
Mel Giedroyc continues our story bonanza with more of the Top 50 from 500 WORDS, BBC Radio 2's short story competition. Plus another Unpredictable Tale by Paul Jennings.
MON 17:00 Doctor Finlay: The Further Adventures of a Black Bag (b008kxdq)
Series 1
The Golden Fishbone
Doctor Finlay is distracted from medicine by a fishbone that brings the promise of a fast fortune!
Ready with his black bag, Dr Finlay sets out to remedy all manner of ailments suffered by his patients in the Scottish Highland town of Levenford.
AJ Cronin's stories about Scotland's most celebrated doctor dramatised by Sue Rodwell.
Stars John Gordon Sinclair as Dr Finlay, Brian Pettifer as Dr Cameron, Celia Imrie as Janet, Stella Gonet as Nurse Angus, Maureen Beattie as Maggie Dallas and David Tennant as McKellor.
Produced and directed at BBC Bristol by Jeremy Howe and Viv Beeby.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2002.
MON 17:30 Double Science (b013dzmw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
MON 18:00 When the Dog Dies (b012xpym)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
MON 18:30 A Good Read (b0436kd5)
Mark Knopfler and Esther Freud
Tom Sutcliffe, Esther Freud and Mark Knopfler discuss books by Alain De Botton, Robert Graves and Evelyn Waugh. From 1997.
A Handful of Dust by Evelyn Waugh:
Publisher: Pengiun
Essays in Love by Alain De Botton
Publisher: Piccador
Goodbye to All That by Robert Graves
Publisher: Penguin.
MON 19:00 Listen to Les (b01ms5j6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
MON 19:30 The Navy Lark (b007jn8n)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
MON 20:00 Edith Wharton - The Age of Innocence (b007jnsy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
MON 20:30 Mr Pollock's Theatres (b0076dzn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
MON 21:00 Afternoon Reading (b00v2z35)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
MON 21:15 Loose Ends (b042z1fy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]
MON 22:00 The Unbelievable Truth (b042jcxg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
MON 22:30 Life: An Idiot's Guide (b0436hkz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
MON 23:00 The Now Show (b042lp9b)
Series 43
Episode 4
Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis are joined by special guest Nick Doody for a comic romp through the week's news. With Mitch Benn, Pippa Evans and Jon Holmes.
Written by the cast with additional material by Jane Lamacraft, Andy Wolton and Glenn Moore. Produced by Alexandra Smith.
MON 23:30 Dan and Nick: The Wildebeest Years (b0085flc)
Incy Wincy Quincy
A case for spider pathologist Incy Wincy Quincy and The Archers abroad
Comedy extravaganza written by and featuring Dan Freedman and Nick Romero.
With Richard Coles.
Music by the Gents.
Producer: Julian Mayers
Pilot for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in August 1998


TUESDAY 13 MAY 2014

TUE 00:00 Jane Austen (b0076gxs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Monday]
TUE 00:15 A Short History of Ireland (b007tdf7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:15 on Monday]
TUE 00:30 The Paradoxes of Mr Pond (b0132l49)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Monday]
TUE 00:45 Book of the Week (b00kmzyv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:45 on Monday]
TUE 01:00 When the Dog Dies (b012xpym)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Monday]
TUE 01:30 A Good Read (b0436kd5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Monday]
TUE 02:00 Edith Wharton - The Age of Innocence (b007jnsy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Monday]
TUE 02:30 Mr Pollock's Theatres (b0076dzn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Monday]
TUE 03:00 Classic Serial (b00zzpl5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Monday]
TUE 04:00 Afternoon Reading (b00v2z35)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 on Monday]
TUE 04:15 Loose Ends (b042z1fy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 on Monday]
TUE 05:00 Doctor Finlay: The Further Adventures of a Black Bag (b008kxdq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 17:00 on Monday]
TUE 05:30 Double Science (b013dzmw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Monday]
TUE 06:00 Edith Wharton - The Age of Innocence (b007jnww)
Episode 2
Concerned at the impact on New York society, Eleanor's family are upset over her plans to divorce. Stars Andrew Wincott.
TUE 06:30 The Hunt for the Hum (b00773qg)
Bill Bailey explores the phenomena of low frequency noise, and goes in search of apparently mysterious 'hums' that have been heard from Tokyo to Toronto, and Beijing to Bristol.
Engineers, hospital consultants, acoustics experts and sperm whales all play their part in a strange and occasionally sad story of industrialisation and noise pollution.
TUE 07:00 The Mitch Benn Music Show (b007tdvz)
Series 1
Episode 3
The musical comedian presents his selection of some of the finest comic songs. With guest Hils Baker. From August 2005.
TUE 07:30 Alex Horne Presents The Horne Section (b042jhzs)
Series 3
Sara Pascoe and James Acaster
Stand-up Alex Horne and his band explore the theme of technology through live music and comedy.
With songs about a record player, hoover and a teasmaid amongst others.
They're joined by guest comedians Sara Pascoe and James Acaster.
Producer: Julia McKenzie
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2014.
TUE 08:00 The Goon Show (b007jws9)
Series 7
What's My Line?
Can anyone guess the unusual professions in a special edition of the 1950s BBC TV quiz?
Groundbreaking, surreal BBC radio comedy written by Spike Milligan and Larry Stephens.
Starring:
Peter Sellers
Harry Secombe
Spike Milligan
First billed as Crazy People, ten series of The Goon Show were recorded between 1951 and 1960, but sadly many of the earliest shows weren’t kept in the archive.
With the Ray Ellington Quartet and Max Geldray.
Orchestra conducted by Wally Stott.
Announcer: Wallace Greenslade
Producer: Pat Dixon
First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in December 1956.
TUE 08:30 The Marx Brothers' Flywheel, Shyster and Flywheel (b00890mh)
Series 3
Episode 3
Shady lawyer Waldorf T Flywheel starts a bus tour of New York.
Recreation of the Marx Brothers' lost shows charting the adventures of shady lawyer Waldorf T Flywheel and his assistant, Emmanuel Ravelli. Originally broadcast with sponsors on America's NBC radio network in the 1930s. The scripts were rediscovered in 1988.
Starring Michael Roberts as Groucho Marx as Waldorf T Flywheel and Frank Lazarus as Chico Marx as Emmanuel Ravelli. With Lorelei King and Graham Hoadly.
Special guest stars Spike Milligan and Dick Vosburgh.
Written by Nat Perrin and Athur Sheekman. Adapted by Mark Brisenden.
Music arranged and conducted by David Firman.
Producer: Dirk Maggs
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1992.
TUE 09:00 Street and Lane (b00w5rgj)
Series 2
Going for Broke
The Yorkshire builders are warned over a dodgy landlord - and a birth is imminent...
Series 2 of Ian McMillan and Dave Sheasby's comedy stars Shaun Dooley as Johnny Street, Fine Time Fontayne as Arthur Lane, Muzz Khan as Pete and Bethan Walker as Lucy.
Producer: David Hunter
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2007.
TUE 09:30 The Now Show (b042lp9b)
[Repeat of broadcast at 23:00 on Monday]
TUE 10:00 Classic Serial (b0105s46)
Patrick O'Brian - The Mauritius Command
Episode 2
Patrick O'Brian's naval epic set in 1809, dramatised by Roger Danes. Starring David Robb as Captain Jack Aubrey and Richard Dillane as Doctor Stephen Maturin. Episode 2 of 3.
Jack Aubrey is promoted (temporarily) to Commodore to lead a squadron of English ships, charged with taking the Indian Ocean islands of Mauritius and Réunion from the French. Jack must succeed against superior odds at sea and on land (where Stephen's subversive skills are invaluable as ever). Yet, in his new role as Commodore, Jack needs subtlety and subterfuge to win over the crews and subordinate captains of his own fleet, including the flamboyant but erratic, Lord Clonfert.
The story is based on a naval campaign in 1809-10 when Britain and France were bitterly engaged in protecting their trade routes around the southern tip of Africa - and the islands of Mauritius and Réunion (east of Madagascar) were viewed as strategic bases.
The Mauritius Command is the fourth novel in Patrick O'Brian's Nelsonic epic series and the sequel to HMS Surprise which was dramatised for Radio 4 in 2008.
Captain Jack Aubrey ................... DAVID ROBB
Doctor Stephen Maturin .......... ...RICHARD DILLANE
Lord Clonfert.................................SAM DALE
Dr McAdam................................. SEAN BAKER
Lt-Col Keating ............ .......THOMAS ARNOLD
Governor Farquhar ..................... .DAVID RINTOUL
Captain Corbett................. ....CHRISTIAN RODSKA
Captain Pym............................... BRIAN BOWLES
Lt Webber....................................PIP CARTER
Lt Seymour ....................... ...MAX DOWLER
Lt Briggs..................................... NYASHA HATENDI
Midshipman Cotton........................LLOYD THOMAS
Producer/director: Bruce Young.
TUE 11:00 Afternoon Reading (b00v39mh)
Three Short Stories by E Nesbit
The Bristol Bowl
Jane's aunt is a real ogre to work for, but Jane is after her money, so she puts up with it.
Everything is going to plan, until the day Jane smashes The Bristol Bowl- aunt's prize bit of porcelain. That disaster takes her on her first trip to London and a very surprising offer of marriage.
Reader: Jenny Agutter
Abridged by Roy Apps
Producer/Director: Celia de Wolff
A Pier Production for BBC Radio 4.
TUE 11:15 Juliet Ace - Money for Old Rope (b007rr6t)
Jason, a young and fit student, takes part in a drugs trial to earn some cash. But is it worth the risk? With Di Botcher.
TUE 12:00 The Goon Show (b007jws9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
TUE 12:30 The Marx Brothers' Flywheel, Shyster and Flywheel (b00890mh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
TUE 13:00 Edith Wharton - The Age of Innocence (b007jnww)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
TUE 13:30 The Hunt for the Hum (b00773qg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
TUE 14:00 Jane Austen (b0076gyd)
Mansfield Park
Episode 2
Fanny Price has to deal with some new neighbours from London. Stars Felicity Jones, Benedict Cumberbatch and David Tennant.
TUE 14:15 A Short History of Ireland (b007tkgd)
My Mission to Pacify Ireland; Keep a Firm Grip on Your Homesteads
The country's rich and turbulent story continues. With Richard Dormer, James Greene and Frances Tomelty.
TUE 14:30 The Paradoxes of Mr Pond (b0132pll)
The Three Horsemen of the Apocalypse
Another mystery for GK Chesterton's civil servant - 'Too much Prussian obedience saves a patriot'. Read by Martin Jarvis.
TUE 14:45 Book of the Week (b00kvg9l)
Claire Harman - Jane's Fame
Episode 2
Alice Krige reads from Claire Harman's exploration of Jane Austen's rise to pre-eminence from humble family scribblings to Hollywood movies.
The last years of Jane Austen's life were a period of concentrated writing and business with publishers. Though largely cut off from the fashionable literary world, her fame was nonetheless beginning to spread.
A Pacificus production for BBC Radio 4.
TUE 15:00 Classic Serial (b0105s46)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
TUE 16:00 The 4 O'Clock Show (b0439rjj)
Mel Giedroyc returns with more of the top 50 stories from BBC Radio 2's 500 WORDS short story competition, and she wishes Catherine Tate many happy returns in her birthday week.
TUE 17:00 Second Thoughts (b007jx3l)
Series 1
Marriage of Inconvenience
Bill and Faith get set for a last minute wedding - surely nothing can go wrong?
Sitcom about the battles of divorcees Bill MacGregor and Faith Greyshott trying to forge a relationship whilst balancing the demands of his ex-wife, Liza and her teenage children, Hannah and Joe.
Staring Lynda Bellingham and James Bolam.
Series one of four inspired by the real lives of its writers, husband and wife Jan Etherington and Gavin Petrie.
A TV version made by LWT for ITV appeared in 1991 and ran for four series, with a spin-off 'Faith in the Future'.
Faith ...... Lynda Bellingham
Bill ...... James Bolam
Hannah ...... Kelda Holmes
Joe ...... Mark Denham
Liza ...... Belinda Lang
Ray ...... Nicholas Courtney
Producer: Pete Atkin
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1988.
TUE 17:30 The Mitch Benn Music Show (b007tdvz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
TUE 18:00 Street and Lane (b00w5rgj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
TUE 18:30 That Reminds Me (b007jnyc)
Series 3
John Fortune
Satirist, comedian, writer and actor John Fortune shares memories of his career with an audience.
Giving his frank take on fame, John talks of his recent working encounters with John Bird and Rory Bremner - and names the top three funniest men that he's met - one of them is Peter Cook.
John Fortune: Born: 30 June 1939. Died: 31 December 2013.
Producer: Claire Jones
First broadcast on the BBC Radio 4 in November 2001.
TUE 19:00 The Goon Show (b007jws9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
TUE 19:30 The Marx Brothers' Flywheel, Shyster and Flywheel (b00890mh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
TUE 20:00 Edith Wharton - The Age of Innocence (b007jnww)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
TUE 20:30 The Hunt for the Hum (b00773qg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
TUE 21:00 Afternoon Reading (b00v39mh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
TUE 21:15 Juliet Ace - Money for Old Rope (b007rr6t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]
TUE 22:00 Alex Horne Presents The Horne Section (b042jhzs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
TUE 22:30 The Music Teacher (b00s9gbs)
Series 1
Episode 2
An aural feast of a musical comedy written by and starring 2009 Writers' Guild Award winner Richie Webb as long suffering multi-instrumentalist music teacher Nigel Penny. Featuring Vicki Pepperdine as Arts Centre Manager Belinda.
Shut away in a tiny windowless practice room in a regional arts centre, music teacher Nigel Penny endures his usual succession of bizarre pupils whilst wrestling with the latest curveball thrown at him by panicked Arts Centre manager, Belinda.
Episode 2 sees Nigel faced with having to up the rate he charges his students; but he finds his negotiating skills somewhat thwarted by a guitarist with no strings, a Cameo tribute act and possibly the world's most confusing busker.
Belinda meanwhile is struggling to cope with the Arts Centre's new emergency procedures - and therefore so is everyone else.
Cast:
Nigel Penny ..... Richie Webb
Belinda ..... Vicki Pepperdine
Other roles by Dave Lamb, Jim North and Jess Robinson.
Written by Richie Webb.
Producer: Richie Webb
Director: Nick Walker
A Top Dog Production for BBC Radio 4
TUE 22:45 Earls of the Court (b00r0yt2)
The Eklov Experience
Comedy drama series by Will Adamsdale and Stewart Wright about two Australians down on their luck in London.
Now living with his girlfriend, Johnno is steadying himself for a couples' day out. But his sofa-crashing best mate Lloydie has other plans
Lloydie ...... Stewart Wright
Johnno ...... Will Adamsdale
Nadine ...... Keely Beresford
Security ...... Rufus Wright
Directed by Sasha Yevtushenko.
TUE 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (b0456ntn)
The best in contemporary comedy. Tonight, Jon Holmes chats to Andy Zaltzman.
TUE 23:00 Delve Special (b007jn2h)
Series 4
Resurrection of St Jerome
Intrepid reporter David Lander probes the extravagant lifestyle of Caribbean despot Felipe Delnazo and his wife Isabella.
Written by Tony Sarchet.
Starring Stephen Fry as David Lander.
With Brenda Blethyn, Robert Bathurst, Andrew Sachs, Philip Pope and Mark Arden.
Producer: Paul Mayhew Archer
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1987.
TUE 23:30 2000 Years of Radio (b007scys)
Series 1
Dark Age FM
It's AD 500, history's most miserable time, when Britain was invaded twice a week and the country was run by a bloke called Arthur.
But there was always Steve in the Afternoon to help Britons through these difficult times
Six-part series that taps into the radio archive of a bygone age.
Written and performed by Marcus Brigstocke, Claire Downes , Stuart Lane, Al Holloway, Danny Robbins and Dan Tetsell.
Producers: Paul Dodgson & Sean Grundy
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2000.
TUE 23:45 All the World's a Globe (b007jwwz)
8. From 20th Century Wars to Twiggy
The National Theatre of Brent's definitive history of Earth reaches the 20th century. With guest Ben Kingsley. From June 1990.


WEDNESDAY 14 MAY 2014

WED 00:00 Jane Austen (b0076gyd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Tuesday]
WED 00:15 A Short History of Ireland (b007tkgd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:15 on Tuesday]
WED 00:30 The Paradoxes of Mr Pond (b0132pll)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Tuesday]
WED 00:45 Book of the Week (b00kvg9l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:45 on Tuesday]
WED 01:00 Street and Lane (b00w5rgj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Tuesday]
WED 01:30 That Reminds Me (b007jnyc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Tuesday]
WED 02:00 Edith Wharton - The Age of Innocence (b007jnww)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Tuesday]
WED 02:30 The Hunt for the Hum (b00773qg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Tuesday]
WED 03:00 Classic Serial (b0105s46)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Tuesday]
WED 04:00 Afternoon Reading (b00v39mh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 on Tuesday]
WED 04:15 Juliet Ace - Money for Old Rope (b007rr6t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 on Tuesday]
WED 05:00 Second Thoughts (b007jx3l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 17:00 on Tuesday]
WED 05:30 The Mitch Benn Music Show (b007tdvz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Tuesday]
WED 06:00 Edith Wharton - The Age of Innocence (b00898qq)
Episode 3
Socialite Newland follows Ellen to the country, where their rendezvous is disturbed. Stars Andrew Wincott and Susanne Bertish.
WED 06:30 Language of Laughter (b00773fj)
4 Extra Debut. Julian Clary meets the intrepid British comics who take their acts abroad to places where stand-up is totally alien. From January 2007.
WED 07:00 The Attractive Young Rabbi (b007k3y6)
Series 3
Mixed Fortunes
Rabbi Abraham pulls off a coup - Rabbi Su isn't so lucky.
Barry Grossman’s comedy-drama about the collision between the old and the new in the Jewish community of Hillfield.
Rabbi Abraham Fine ...... David De Keyser
Rabbi Su Jacobs ...... Tracy-Ann Oberman
Sadie Fine ...... Doreen Mantle
Melvin ...... Henry Goodman
Brian ...... Jonathan Kydd
Su’s Mum ...... Sheila Steafel
Demelza ...... Julie Mayhew
Plumber ...... Nick Stringer
Music: Max Harris.
Producer: John Fawcett Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2002.
WED 07:30 Isy Suttie's Love Letters (b042l78d)
Series 2
Rosa and Matthew
Isy Suttie returns to BBC Radio 4 with a brand new series of her Sony Award Winning show, recounting a series of love stories affecting people she's known throughout her life, told partly through song.
Sometimes Isy has merely observed other people's love lives; quite often she's intervened, changing the action dramatically - for better or worse. Intertwined within these stories are related real life anecdotes from Isy's own, often disastrous, love life.
In this episode, Isy recounts the tale of Rosa and Matthew, a hypnotherapist and an osteopath who work a few doors apart and find it difficult to express their feelings for each other.
With her multi-character and vocal skills, and accompanied by her guitar, Isy creates a hilarious and deeply moving world, sharing with us her lessons in life and love.
WED 08:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b0090xjy)
Series 6
The Picnic
Bill, Sid and The Lad Himself eat al fresco to impress their dates from the local Palais.
Starring Tony Hancock.
With Sidney James, Bill Kerr, Patricia Hayes, Ann Lancaster, Elizabeth Fraser and Wilfred Babbage.
Written by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson.
Theme and incidental music written by Wally Stott.
Producer: Tom Ronald
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in October 1959.
WED 08:30 Albert and Me (b007jsgr)
Series 1
Mind That Baby
Single dad Bryan gets wrapped in red tape at the benefits office.
Stars Richard Beckinsale as Bryan Archer, Pat Coombs as Mum/Albert and John Comer as Dad. With Dilys Laye as the Welfare Lady/Mrs Featherstone-Haugh.
Written by Jim Eldridge.
Producer: John Fawcett Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in November 1977.
WED 09:00 Legal, Decent, Honest and Truthful (b007jvs5)
Series 1
Episode 5
Ken Handley fancies a winter break, but can he escape the ad agency? Stars Martin Jarvis and Wendy Richard. From February 1982.
WED 09:30 1835 (b0125lgl)
All at Sea
Aristocrat Belport and his servant Ned are called up to serve in the navy aboard the HMS Fortunate. Fortunate by name, a magnet for French cannons by nature...
Comic saga of an aristocrat and his servant who struggle to find things to do in the mid- 1830s.
Belport ...... Paul Rider
Ned ...... Jason Done
Black Pete ...... Roy Barraclough
Collins ...... Simon Greenall
Tony Nelson ...... Jonathan Keeble
Written and directed at BBC Manchester by Jim Poyser.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2004.
WED 10:00 Classic Serial (b010dgrb)
Patrick O'Brian - The Mauritius Command
Episode 3
Patrick O'Brian's naval epic set in 1809, dramatised by Roger Danes. Starring David Robb as Captain Jack Aubrey and Richard Dillane as Doctor Stephen Maturin.
Jack has been promoted to Commodore to lead a squadron of English ships, charged with taking the Indian Ocean islands of Mauritius and Réunion from the French. Jack faces superior odds at sea and on land (where Stephen's subversive skills are invaluable as ever). Yet, in his new role as Commodore, Jack needs subtlety and subterfuge to win over the crews and subordinate captains of his own fleet, including the courageous but brutal Captain Corbett.
Based on a naval campaign in 1809-10 when Britain and France were bitterly engaged in protecting their trade routes around the southern tip of Africa - and the islands of Mauritius and Réunion (east of Madagascar) were viewed as strategic bases.
The Mauritius Command is the fourth novel in Patrick O'Brian's Nelsonic epic series and the sequel to HMS Surprise which was dramatised for Radio 4 in 2008.
Captain Jack Aubrey ................... DAVID ROBB
Doctor Stephen Maturin .......... ...RICHARD DILLANE
Captain Corbett................. ....CHRISTIAN RODSKA
Governor Farquhar ..................... ..DAVID RINTOUL
Lt-Col Keating ............ ........THOMAS ARNOLD
Admiral Bertie.............................. SEAN BAKER
Lt Seymour ....................... ...MAX DOWLER
Lt Pullings ...................................DAVID HOLT
Lt Tullidge....................................LLOYD THOMAS
Major O'Neil................................ SAM DALE
Midshipman Johnson ....... ...........NYASHA HATENDI
Producer/director: Bruce Young.
WED 11:00 Afternoon Reading (b00v39s8)
Three Short Stories by E Nesbit
Grandsire Triples
Kate's 'intended' comes back from learning farming, a Catholic.
Kate is torn between duty and love, a conflict that is dramatically resolved when the two lovers inadvertently get locked in the bell tower, during a Grandsire Triple peal ("there's five thousand and fifty changes to 'em, and it's a matter of three hours!') groans Kate.
Reader: Jenny Agutter
Abridged by Roy Apps
Producer/Director: Celia de Wolff
A Pier Production for BBC Radio 4.
WED 11:15 Peter Tinniswood (b007jw6t)
Mr Reliable
It's Mr Openshaw's job to listen to people. He goes to their houses to listen to them talk.
Mrs Flenswick is one of his visitees. But he doesn't listen to her at all...
Peter Tinniswood's drama stars Peter Sallis as Mr Oakenshaw and Edna Dore as Mrs Flenswick.
Director: Enyd Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2001.
WED 12:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b0090xjy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
WED 12:30 Albert and Me (b007jsgr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
WED 13:00 Edith Wharton - The Age of Innocence (b00898qq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
WED 13:30 Language of Laughter (b00773fj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
WED 14:00 Jane Austen (b0076gyv)
Mansfield Park
Episode 3
Fanny Price's trip to Mr Rushworth's estate has unforeseen consequences for the whole party. Stars Felicity Jones and Benedict Cumberbatch.
WED 14:15 A Short History of Ireland (b007tm4c)
The Land War; The Relief of Captain Boycott
The country's rich and turbulent story continues. With Richard Dormer, James Greene and Frances Tomelty.
WED 14:30 The Paradoxes of Mr Pond (b0132vv8)
Pond the Pantaloon
Another mystery for GK Chesterton's civil servant - 'A poker prevents a national disaster'. Read by Martin Jarvis.
WED 14:45 Book of the Week (b00kvg9d)
Claire Harman - Jane's Fame
Episode 3
Alice Krige reads from Claire Harman's exploration of Jane Austen's rise to pre-eminence from humble family scribblings to Hollywood movies.
The 19th century taste for the great, sprawling novels of Dickens, Thackeray and others left Jane Austen in relative obscurity for some decades. But public interest flared up again with her nephew's publication of the first biography in 1870, and gained a momentum that was now unstoppable.
A Pacificus production for BBC Radio 4.
WED 15:00 Classic Serial (b010dgrb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
WED 16:00 The 4 O'Clock Show (b0439wdl)
Mel Giedroyc introduces an Unpredictable Tale by Paul Jennings, read by John Sessions. Plus artist Jack Vettriano shares his Inheritance Tracks, two favourite pieces of music.
WED 17:00 After Henry (b007jmr5)
Series 1
The Dinner Party
Sarah plays hostess, Mother plays the martyr and daughter Clare holds a flat-warming party.
Simon Brett's comedy about three generations of women - struggling to cope after the death of Sarah's GP husband - who never quite manage to see eye to eye.
Starring Prunella Scales as Sarah, Joan Sanderson as Eleanor, Benjamin Whitrow as Russell, Gerry Cowper as Clare, Richard Davies as Leo Dolan and Ellen McIntosh as Gwen.
Four radio series were made, but instead of moving to BBC TV - Thames Television produced 'After Henry' for the ITV network.
Producer: Pete Atkin
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1985.
WED 17:30 The Attractive Young Rabbi (b007k3y6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
WED 18:00 Legal, Decent, Honest and Truthful (b007jvs5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
WED 18:30 Off the Page (b00766d6)
Taboo
Chris Bigsby chairs a debate about taboo with Adam Mars-Jones and Daisy Sampson. Is there anything still forbidden these days?
In each programme, Professor Bigsby introduces a duo of writers of fact and fiction: new talent and established names. In the context of a discussion of one of the ideas and pre-occupations of our times, each presents a piece on this week's topic.
The best new writing and the freshest conversation from 2002.
WED 19:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b0090xjy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
WED 19:30 Albert and Me (b007jsgr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
WED 20:00 Edith Wharton - The Age of Innocence (b00898qq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
WED 20:30 Language of Laughter (b00773fj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
WED 21:00 Afternoon Reading (b00v39s8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
WED 21:15 Peter Tinniswood (b007jw6t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]
WED 22:00 Isy Suttie's Love Letters (b042l78d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
WED 22:30 Genius (b0080rmy)
Series 3
Germaine Greer
Lego prisons? A tea tray as a system of measurement?
Dave Gorman asks writer Germaine Greer to select the public's best loopy idea.
Award-winning comedian Dave Gorman and a celebrity guest chew over the ridiculous, unworkable but sometimes genius inventions, schemes and policies of the public.
Producer: Simon Nicholls
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2007.
WED 23:00 Old Harry's Game (b007jvjx)
Series 4
Beauty
Satan introduces the Professor and Thomas to Helen of Troy and her plain friend, Daphne. Stars Andy Hamilton. From May 2001.
WED 23:30 The Sofa of Time (b00hwyq7)
There's Gravy in My Locker
The epic and timeless tale of two men and their quest to find "The Sofa of Time", the most magical and powerful item of furniture in the entire universe.
It is said that those who sit on the sofa can be transported to anywhere and anytime.
Milford and Parker get sacked and as they are clearing out their lockers they fall into the magical world of Gravy...there Milford is regarded as the chosen one who has come at last to save the people from the emperor warlock Raamen Bod who plans to find the sofa and use it for evil purposes.
Written by Nick Frost and Matt King.
Matt King ...... Milford
Nick Frost ...... Parker
Mark Heap ...... Marmite
Peter Serafinowcz ...... Raamen Bod
With Kevin Eldon, Janei Anderson and Daisy Jones
Producer: Mario Stylianides
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2002.


THURSDAY 15 MAY 2014

THU 00:00 Jane Austen (b0076gyv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Wednesday]
THU 00:15 A Short History of Ireland (b007tm4c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:15 on Wednesday]
THU 00:30 The Paradoxes of Mr Pond (b0132vv8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Wednesday]
THU 00:45 Book of the Week (b00kvg9d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:45 on Wednesday]
THU 01:00 Legal, Decent, Honest and Truthful (b007jvs5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Wednesday]
THU 01:30 Off the Page (b00766d6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Wednesday]
THU 02:00 Edith Wharton - The Age of Innocence (b00898qq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Wednesday]
THU 02:30 Language of Laughter (b00773fj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Wednesday]
THU 03:00 Classic Serial (b010dgrb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Wednesday]
THU 04:00 Afternoon Reading (b00v39s8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 on Wednesday]
THU 04:15 Peter Tinniswood (b007jw6t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 on Wednesday]
THU 05:00 After Henry (b007jmr5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 17:00 on Wednesday]
THU 05:30 The Attractive Young Rabbi (b007k3y6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Wednesday]
THU 06:00 Edith Wharton - The Age of Innocence (b00898qr)
Episode 4
Newland loves Ellen, but has married her cousin May. A secret rendezvous is arranged. Stars Andrew Wincott and Susanne Bertish.
THU 06:30 Soul Self Satisfaction: The Story of Northern Soul (b0076v8l)
The Story of Northern Soul
Writer and cultural historian CP Lee explores the strange world of Northern Soul music, which first came to Britain in the early 1960s. This underground cultural phenomenon was driven by a love of black American artists who had failed to make a success in the USA.
Contributors include designer Wayne Hemingway, producer Ian Levine, DJ Jo Wallace and Stuart Cosgrove.
THU 07:00 Semi Circles (b007jtsz)
Series 2
A Family Time
Ben and Helen squabble over them spending Christmas with her mother.
The improving story of life and improving times in an improving neighbourhood.
Starring Paula Wilcox as Helen and David Wood as Ben
Written by Simon Brett
Helen ...... Paula Wilcox
Ben ...... David Wood
Mrs Kelly ...... Pay Heywood
Alastair ...... Tony Millan
Mr Cullingford ...... Michael Bilton
Producer: Pete Atkin
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 1982
THU 07:30 Cabin Pressure (b01qjc6k)
Series 4
Yverdon-Les-Bains
Sitcom by John Finnemore about the pilots of a tiny charter airline.
Love is in the air as Douglas and Herc fight it out over the fruit tray, and hope springs eternal as Martin has the interview of his life.
Cabin Pressure is a sitcom about the wing and a prayer world of a tiny, one plane, charter airline staffed by two pilots: one on his way down, and one who was never up to start with. Whether they're flying squaddies to Hamburg, metal sheets to Mozambique, or an oil exec's cat to Abu Dhabi, no job is too small, but many, many jobs are too difficult.
Written by John Finnemore
Produced and directed by David Tyler
A Pozzitive production for the BBC.
THU 08:00 Dad's Army (b007jqpj)
Series 3
The Royal Train
Captain Mainwaring gets up steam when the Home Guard platoon receive sealed orders regarding the King.
The comic exploits of a Second World War Home Guard platoon in Walmington-on-Sea.
Adapted for radio from Jimmy Perry and David Croft's TV scripts by Harold Snoad and Michael Knowles.
Captain Mainwaring …. Arthur Lowe
Sergeant Wilson …. John Le Mesurier
Corporal Jones …. Clive Dunn
Private Frazer …. John Laurie
Private Godfrey …. Arnold Ridley
Private Pike …. Ian Lavender
Warden Hodges …. Bill Pertwee
Private Walker …. Larry Martyn
Vicar …. Frank Williams
Announcer/Newsreader …. John Snagge
Producer: John Dyas
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1976.
THU 08:30 Take It From Here (b015f9b1)
From 10/03/1955
Ron Glum faces jail - will Eth stand by her man? Stars Dick Bentley, Jimmy Edwards and June Whitfield. From March 1955.
THU 09:00 Heresy (b019j12x)
Series 7
Episode 2
Atheist Marcus Brigstocke clashes with the Rev Richard Coles in a discussion about the irrationality of religious belief in an unusually combative edition of Heresy.
Victoria Coren Mitchell is aided in her attempts to maintain order by comedian Natalie Haynes, who argues that agnosticism is the only rational position to be adopted on the issue.
Victoria's guests find more consensus in taking a heretical position against the received wisdom that Kate Middleton should get a job, and that transport strikes are terrible for commuters.
Producer: Brian King
An Avalon production for BBC Radio 4.
THU 09:30 The Young Postmen (b00fz7bp)
Top of the Pops
The eager threesome attempt a Christmas number one. Stars Ben Miller, John Thompson and Alistair McGowan. From December 1992.
THU 10:00 Classic Serial (b00m5sr5)
Thomas Hardy - Two on a Tower
Episode 1
Dramatisation by Jon Sen of Thomas Hardy's tragic tale of star-crossed lovers in the West Country.
When Lady Viviette Constantine discovers the handsome young astronomer Swithin St Cleeve on the lonely tower on her estate, a story of passion and sacrifice begins.
Lady Constantine ...... Maggie O'Neill
Swithin St Cleeve ...... Blake Ritson
Parson Torkingham ...... Conrad Nelson
Tabitha Lark ...... Amy Humphreys
Fellows ...... Stephen Tomlin
Granny Martin ...... Pauline Jefferson
Louis ...... Richard Heap
Joshua ...... Carter Dowland
Directed by Stefan Escreet.
THU 11:00 Elizabeth Buchan - Resurrection (b007wfqx)
A gardener and grieving widower muses over love and the cycle of life and death. Elizabeth Buchan's story is read by Christopher Scott.
THU 11:15 Pete Lawson - The Deep End (b007jyz3)
Leni makes a surprising discovery at a public swimming pool. Moving drama about the loss of a baby. Stars Michelle Holmes. From December 1999.
THU 12:00 Dad's Army (b007jqpj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
THU 12:30 Take It From Here (b015f9b1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
THU 13:00 Edith Wharton - The Age of Innocence (b00898qr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
THU 13:30 Soul Self Satisfaction: The Story of Northern Soul (b0076v8l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
THU 14:00 Jane Austen (b0076gzc)
Mansfield Park
Episode 4
Amateur dramatics give Fanny Price cause for consternation. Stars Felicity Jones, Benedict Cumberbatch and David Tennant.
THU 14:15 A Short History of Ireland (b007tcj0)
Assassination in the Phoenix Park; The First Home Rule Bill
The country's rich and turbulent story continues. With Richard Dormer, James Greene and Frances Tomelty.
THU 14:30 The Paradoxes of Mr Pond (b0133gjr)
Ring of Lovers
'A real liar doesn't tell wanton and unnecessary lies. He tells wise and necessary lies.' Curious mystery read by Martin Jarvis.
THU 14:45 Book of the Week (b00kvg9g)
Claire Harman - Jane's Fame
Episode 4
Alice Krige reads from Claire Harman's exploration of Jane Austen's rise to pre-eminence from humble family scribblings to Hollywood movies.
By the early years of the 20th century, the cult of 'Divine Jane' had seized Britain and America. For the soldiers of the First World War, she came to represent an Englishness that was far removed from the terrible realities of life in the trenches.
A Pacificus production for BBC Radio 4.
THU 15:00 Classic Serial (b00m5sr5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
THU 16:00 The 4 O'Clock Show (b043bh56)
Mel Giedroyc has more of the top 50 short stories from BBC Radio 2's 500 WORDS short story competition, and she investigates the satnav of homing pigeons.
THU 17:00 King Street Junior Revisited (b007jxck)
Series 1
Waiting for Ofsted
There's tension in the staff room and nerves are on edge - all because the inspectors are coming!
School comedy created and written by Jim Eldridge. Ten series of this King Street Junior ran between 1985 and 1998. King Street Junior Revisited ran from 2002 to 2005.
Stars Carolyn Pickles as Mrs Devon, Marlene Sidaway as Miss Lewis, Michael Cochrane as Mr Maxwell, Paul Copley as Mr Long, Teresa Gallagher as Miss Featherstone, Jacqueline Beatty as Miss Reid, Janice Acquah as Mrs Khan, Sally George as Mrs Mears, Sonny Muslim as Gino, Jordan Maxwell as Gavin, Candice Davies as Sarujeet and Louisa Lytton as Mandy.
Producer: John Fawcett Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2002.
THU 17:30 Semi Circles (b007jtsz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
THU 18:00 Heresy (b019j12x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
THU 18:30 Great Lives (b00763rq)
Series 1
Sir Ernest Shackleton
The polar explorer's life is scrutinised by Rosie Boycott and his grand-daughter Alexandra. With Humphrey Carpenter. From 2001.
The biographical series in which a distinguished guest chooses someone who's inspired their life. Will their hero stand up to intensive scrutiny and merit the description of having led a great life?
THU 19:00 Dad's Army (b007jqpj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
THU 19:30 Take It From Here (b015f9b1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
THU 20:00 Edith Wharton - The Age of Innocence (b00898qr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
THU 20:30 Soul Self Satisfaction: The Story of Northern Soul (b0076v8l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
THU 21:00 Elizabeth Buchan - Resurrection (b007wfqx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
THU 21:15 Pete Lawson - The Deep End (b007jyz3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]
THU 22:00 Cabin Pressure (b01qjc6k)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
THU 22:30 Laura Solon - Talking and Not Talking (b00773xs)
Series 1
Episode 5
The torrid tale of Justine's jeans and the sad story of a second gap year.
Award-winning comedian Laura Solon's sketch and character comedy series
With Ben Moor, Katherine Parkinson and Ben Willbond.
Written by Laura Solon. With additional material by the cast, Carl Cooper, Tony Roche and Andy Marlatt.
Producer: Colin Anderson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2007.
THU 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (b0456ntq)
The best in contemporary comedy. Tonight, Jon Holmes chats to Andy Zaltzman.
THU 23:00 The Museum of Everything (b007k425)
Series 2
The Dig
Discover the results of a 'live' archaeology dig and visit a very liberal safari park.
Written and performed by Marcus Brigstocke, Danny Robins and Dan Tetsell.
With Lucy Montgomery.
Music by Dominic Haslam and Ben Walker.
Producer: Alex Walsh-Taylor
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2005.
THU 23:30 The Skivers (b00j1ff4)
Series 3
Michael Fish
High winds alert! Weatherman Michael Fish bids for stardom. Sketch show with Nick Golsen and Tim de Jongh. From January 1997.


FRIDAY 16 MAY 2014

FRI 00:00 Jane Austen (b0076gzc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Thursday]
FRI 00:15 A Short History of Ireland (b007tcj0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:15 on Thursday]
FRI 00:30 The Paradoxes of Mr Pond (b0133gjr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Thursday]
FRI 00:45 Book of the Week (b00kvg9g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:45 on Thursday]
FRI 01:00 Heresy (b019j12x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Thursday]
FRI 01:30 Great Lives (b00763rq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Thursday]
FRI 02:00 Edith Wharton - The Age of Innocence (b00898qr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Thursday]
FRI 02:30 Soul Self Satisfaction: The Story of Northern Soul (b0076v8l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Thursday]
FRI 03:00 Classic Serial (b00m5sr5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Thursday]
FRI 04:00 Elizabeth Buchan - Resurrection (b007wfqx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 on Thursday]
FRI 04:15 Pete Lawson - The Deep End (b007jyz3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 on Thursday]
FRI 05:00 King Street Junior Revisited (b007jxck)
[Repeat of broadcast at 17:00 on Thursday]
FRI 05:30 Semi Circles (b007jtsz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Thursday]
FRI 06:00 Edith Wharton - The Age of Innocence (b00899j7)
Episode 5
Ellen Olenska returns, and socialite Newland rushes to tell her his big decision. Stars Andrew Wincott and Susanne Bertish.
FRI 06:30 The People's Palace (b0076lt4)
4 Extra Debut. London's vast Crystal Palace put the world under glass for amazed visitors. Michael Rosen revisits its glorious past. From June 2004.
FRI 07:00 Smelling of Roses (b00dh89p)
Series 3
Leading A Merry Dance
Rosie's no expert on Russian folk music but when she's asked to promote The Gulbekistan Dance Ensemble, she's sure she'll be equal to the challenge...
Another assignment for Rosie Burns and the event management company, where the clients are only part of the problem...
Written by Simon Brett.
Rosie ..... Prunella Scales
Jo ..... Rebecca Callard
Bob ..... Duncan Preston
Tess ..... Annette Badland
Robert ..... Simon Trinder
Leonid ..... Chris Emmett
Ludmilla ..... Lorelei King
Producer: Maria Esposito
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2002.
FRI 07:30 Bird Island (b042z66l)
Series 2
Episode 2
Young scientist Ben tests out a new coat, suitable for the cold climate in Antarctica.
Meanwhile Jane celebrates her birthday.
Ben ...... Reece Shearsmith
Graham ...... Julian Rhind-Tutt
Shanghai Solitaire Voice ...... Julian Rhind-Tutt
Jane ...... Katy Wix
Atmospheric comedy about a cheery scientist based in Sub-Antarctica by Katy Wix.
It’s Ben’s trip of a lifetime, but in a vast icy landscape with dodgy internet. Feeling lonely, he shares his thoughts via an audio 'log' on his dictaphone.
Graham is a fellow nerdy scientist so their exchanges are mumbled. Ben’s even more awkward around new arrival Jane, though he’s not entirely sure why.
Producer: Tilusha Ghelan
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2014.
FRI 07:45 Don't Start (b01mqqg1)
Series 2
The Toenail
What do long term partners really argue about? The sharp new comedy from Frank Skinner returns for a second series.
Well observed, clever and funny, Don't Start is a scripted comedy with a deceptively simple premise - an argument. Each week our couple fall out over another apparently trivial flashpoint - the Krankies, toenail trimming and semantics.
The stakes mount as Neil and Kim battle with words. But these are no ordinary arguments. The two outdo each other with increasingly absurd images, unexpected literary references (the Old Testament, Jack Spratt and the first Mrs Rochester, to name a few) and razor sharp analysis of their beloved's weaknesses. Underneath the cutting wit, however, there is an unmistakable tenderness.
Frank says:
"Having established in the first series that Neil and Kim are a childless academic couple who during their numerous arguments luxuriate in their own and each other's learning and wit, I've tried in the second series to dig a little deeper into their relationship. Love and affection occasionally splutter into view, like a Higgs boson in a big tunnel-thing, but can such emotions ever prevail in a relationship where the couple prefers to wear their brains, rather than their hearts, on their sleeves? Is that too much offal imagery?"
Episode 2: The Toenail
Frank's attempts at recycling strike Kim as an unhealthy obsession with death.
Produced and directed by Polly Thomas
Executive Producer: Jon Thoday
An Avalon production for BBC Radio 4.
FRI 08:00 Steptoe and Son (b007jnfd)
Series 5
Men of Letters
Albert butts in on Harold's church magazine article.
Starring Wilfrid Brambell as Albert and Harry H Corbett as Harold. With Anthony Sharp as the Vicar.
Following the conclusion of their hugely successful association with Tony Hancock, writers Ray Galton and Alan Simpson wrote 10 pilots for the BBC TV's Comedy Playhouse in 1962. The Offer was set in a house with a yard full of junk, featuring the lives of rag and bone men Albert Steptoe and his son Harold and it was the spark for a run of 8 series for TV.
Written for TV and adapted for radio by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson.
Produced by Bobby Jaye
First broadcast on the BBC Radio 2 in June 1974.
FRI 08:30 The Small, Intricate Life of Gerald C Potter (b007w2s0)
Series 1
The Picture
Gerald and Diana have a clear-out to try and make some cash.
The convoluted chronicle of an optimistic crime writer written by Basil Boothroyd.
Starring Ian Carmichael as Gerald C Potter and Charlotte Mitchell as his wife and more successful writer, Diana.
With Michael McClain.
The Small, Intricate Life of Gerald C Potter ran from 1976 to 1981.
Producer: Bobby Jaye
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1976.
FRI 09:00 Act Your Age (b00qvm9f)
Series 2
Episode 6
Simon Mayo hosts the comedy show that pits the comic generations against each other to find out which is the funniest.
Team captains Jon Richardson, Lucy Porter and Roy Walker are joined by Hills Barker and Cannon and Ball.
Producers: Ashley Blaker and Bill Matthews.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2010.
FRI 09:30 Coming Alive (b00gdw1p)
Series 2
Just One Night
Terry and Sandra come to blows when his ex winds up staying at the community centre. Stars Karl Howman. From August 2000.
FRI 10:00 Classic Serial (b00m8pvn)
Thomas Hardy - Two on a Tower
Episode 2
Dramatisation by Jon Sen of Thomas Hardy's tragic tale of star-crossed lovers in the West Country.
Viviette and Swithin have married in secret, but chance and convention conspire against them and painful sacrifices have to be made.
Lady Constantine ...... Maggie O'Neill
Swithin St Cleeve ...... Blake Ritson
Parson Torkingham ...... Conrad Nelson
Tabitha Lark ...... Amy Humphreys
Fellows ...... Stephen Tomlin
Louis ...... Richard Heap
Bishop Helmsdale ...... Russell Dixon
Joshua ...... Carter Thomas
Directed by Stefan Escreet.
FRI 11:00 Martin Sorrell - Accrington Stanley (b010tbkm)
Not the football club, but a one-legged, partially sighted wheeler-dealer from Lancashire. Bernard Cribbins tells the tale. From January 1995.
FRI 11:15 James Follett - The Twisted Image (b007mf16)
Two police officers discover the body of a local businessman's wife in the boot of his Rolls-Royce, stolen from outside his shop in the new town centre.
It should be an open and shut case - only the new town centre won't be built for another five years...
James Follett's futuristic whodunit stars Douglas Blackwell as Detective Inspector Simmonds, Joan Matheson as Mrs Francis and Peter Wickham as Detective Sergeant Colt
Producer: Margaret Etall
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1977.
FRI 12:00 Steptoe and Son (b007jnfd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
FRI 12:30 The Small, Intricate Life of Gerald C Potter (b007w2s0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
FRI 13:00 Edith Wharton - The Age of Innocence (b00899j7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
FRI 13:30 The People's Palace (b0076lt4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
FRI 14:00 Jane Austen (b0076gzw)
Mansfield Park
Episode 5
Sir Thomas returns to Mansfield Park to find the house in disarray. Stars Felicity Jones, Benedict Cumberbatch, Tim Pigott-Smith and David Tennant.
FRI 14:15 A Short History of Ireland (b007tc4f)
Is Them'uns Bate?; The Belfast Riots of 1886
The country's rich and turbulent story continues. With Richard Dormer, James Greene and Frances Tomelty.
FRI 14:30 The Paradoxes of Mr Pond (b0133lv0)
The Terrible Troubadour
Another GK Chesterton mystery - 'In nature you must go very low to find things that go so high'. Concluded by Martin Jarvis.
FRI 14:45 Book of the Week (b00kvg9j)
Claire Harman - Jane's Fame
Episode 5
Alice Krige reads from Claire Harman's exploration of Jane Austen's rise to pre-eminence from humble family scribblings to Hollywood movies.
The use of Jane Austen's name knows no generic boundaries. At the beginning of the 21st century we are witness to the spectacle of the young woman who happily limited her scope to 'three or four families in a country village' being marketed as a global brand.
A Pacificus production for BBC Radio 4.
FRI 15:00 Classic Serial (b00m8pvn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
FRI 16:00 The 4 O'Clock Show (b043bkyw)
Mel Giedroyc wraps up our short story fortnight with the last of Paul Jenning's Unpredictable Tales, and three more of the top 50 short stories from BBC Radio 2's 500 WORDS.
FRI 17:00 Second Holmes (b0169ljq)
The Case of the Neglected Farm
The grandsons of Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson go to Dorset, where a wife is in danger.
Six light-hearted adventures involving the grandsons of Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson written by Grant Eustace
Starring Peter Egan as Stamford Holmes, Jeremy Nicholas as Dr Watson, Steve Hodson as Tom Wigley, Hugh Dickson as the Vicar, Fiona Walker as Sarah Callington, Ronald Baddiley as Bob Swannock and Alexandra Mathie as Kate Wigley.
Producer: Paul Mayhew-Archer
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1983.
FRI 17:30 Smelling of Roses (b00dh89p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
FRI 18:00 Act Your Age (b00qvm9f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
FRI 18:30 Humphrey Lyttelton - Play As I Please (b01g6khg)
Leaving Home
Humphrey Lyttelton tells June Knox-Mawer about life at a steelworks and heading to war - with his trumpet. From December 1993.
FRI 19:00 Steptoe and Son (b007jnfd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
FRI 19:30 The Small, Intricate Life of Gerald C Potter (b007w2s0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
FRI 20:00 Edith Wharton - The Age of Innocence (b00899j7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
FRI 20:30 The People's Palace (b0076lt4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
FRI 21:00 Martin Sorrell - Accrington Stanley (b010tbkm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
FRI 21:15 James Follett - The Twisted Image (b007mf16)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]
FRI 22:00 Bird Island (b042z66l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
FRI 22:15 Don't Start (b01mqqg1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:45 today]
FRI 22:30 My Teenage Diary (b00x3ywb)
Series 2
Julian Clary
Rufus Hound invites Julian Clary to read embarrassing extracts from his teenage diary and read it out in public for the very first time.
Producer: Victoria Payne
A TalkbackThames production for BBC Radio 4.
FRI 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (b045jtr2)
The best in contemporary comedy. Tonight, Arthur Smith is joined by Abandoman.
FRI 23:00 The Mary Whitehouse Experience (b043bldw)
Series 4
Episode 1
Doped horse racing and political party conferences are under scrutiny.
Starring the double double-acts of David Baddiel and Rob Newman and Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis. With Mark Thomas.
BBC Radio 1's alternative comedy with sketches, stand-up and the odd spot of audience participation. Starting in 1989, the foursome's popularity sparked a BBC TV-transfer of the same name.
Producer: Armando Iannucci
First broadcast on BBC Radio 1 in October 1990.
FRI 23:30 Lionel Nimrod's Inexplicable World (b007qctj)
Series 1
Monsters
The spoof TV sci-fi star explains life's big mysteries. Stars Richard Herring, Stewart Lee and Tom Baker. From October 1992.